Changes

The nations of Latin America had won their political independence from European powers long before the 20th century.  But they have struggled in becoming economically independent.  It was not until the middle of the 20th century that Latin American nations began to export manufactured goods in addition to minerals and food.  In the 1970s and 1980s, huge debts to foreign powers combined with a depression caused severe economic problems.  Lending policies of developed nations and their organizations, such as the World Bank, led to this debt crisis.  By 2000, after much loan forgiveness and an improved worldwide economy, Latin American nations had stronger economies and less dependence on foreign powers.

The nations of Latin America had won their political independence from European powers long before the 20th century.  But they have struggled in becoming economically independent.  It was not until the middle of the 20th century that Latin American nations began to export manufactured goods in addition to minerals and food.  In the 1970s and 1980s, huge debts to foreign powers combined with a depression caused severe economic problems.  Lending policies of developed nations and their organizations, such as the World Bank, led to this debt crisis.  By 2000, after much loan forgiveness and an improved worldwide economy, Latin American nations had stronger economies and less dependence on foreign powers.

In Mexico, the rule of President Lazaro Cardenas from 1934 to 1940 redistributed land from the wealthy to peasants.  He also forced foreign investors to give up control over Mexican oil wells.

In Mexico, the rule of President Lazaro Cardenas from 1934 to 1940 redistributed land from the wealthy to peasants.  He also forced foreign investors to give up control over Mexican oil wells.  The Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI for its Spanish initials) controlled Mexico from 1929 to 2000, when Vicente Fox of PAN (Partido Accion Nacional) was elected president.  The PRI was known for corruption and acting on behalf of wealthy Mexicans.

In Argentina, the military has long controlled the government.  The most popular military ruler was Colonel Juan Peron, who was elected in 1946.  He became known for his “popular dictatorship.”  His wife, Eva Peron, was even more popular for her tremendous charisma.  Juan Peron ruled for over a decade, and brought industrialization and working class values to the nation.  He limited foreign ownership.  But critics felt Peron infringed too much on civil liberties.  He was deposed in 1955 but came back briefly in the 1970s.  In 1982, Argentina attempted to take the Falkland Islands, which are located off its shores in the Atlantic Ocean, from British control, which fought back with the help of American intelligence and regained control of the islands.

 

In Argentina, the military has long controlled the government.  The most popular military ruler was Colonel Juan Peron, who was elected in 1946.  He became known for his “popular dictatorship.”  His wife, Eva Peron, was even more popular for her tremendous charisma.  Juan Peron ruled for over a decade, and brought industrialization and working class values to the nation.  He limited foreign ownership.  But critics felt Peron infringed too much on civil liberties.  He was deposed in 1955 but came back briefly in the 1970s.  In 1982, the military rulers of Argentina attempted to take the Falkland Islands, which are located off its shores in the Atlantic Ocean, from the British.  The British fought back with the help of American intelligence and regained control of the islands.

== References ==

== References ==